Community Forums

DanandPJ · 09-05-2013, 08:34 PM

Am I crazy for thinking we could go RVing? My wife and I are both in our very early 60s but she has pretty much been confined to our dark bedroom with chronic migraines, chronic fatigue, and a few other chronics for the past five years

. I used to camp with a little popup tent trailer about 20yrs ago and loved it. My girl never really had any camping experiences but is willing to give it a try! Yea! About the only traveling we do now is to make Dr. Appts. not much fun

My thought is to get us a class C and take some two or three week trips, see grandkids, the sites or whatever! I think a change of scenery would do us both good. Is there anyone else out there who is in a similar situation? Is it realistic to think that she could rest in bed while in route? Also, What about traveling with pets, i.e. three medium size collies. After reading this I think I answered my original question, I AM CRAZY!
Thank you in advance for any responses,
Your new friends,
Dan and PJ

bdickson · 09-05-2013, 08:40 PM

Sorry to hear about your wife's medical issues. No, you are not crazy. The change of environment and new sights to see might be just what she needs.

Skip426 · 09-05-2013, 08:52 PM

Welcome , there may be room in your life for an RV. But you have to be very comfortable with the decision .
Luckily , my DW's migraines, faded early in her 50's , only to be followed by extreme arthritis events ; controlled now ; thank goodness.
Maybe a getaway is what see needs , but , I'd be renting for a while to make sure before a big purchase.

Also, something you may not want to hear, after 25 years with pets we decided ; after having to put our last dog down

; to not look for a new pet. My wife's asthma improved and my allergies virtually disappeared.
It's hard to do but maybe a trial vacation without pets may be of some help.

Arch Hoagland · 09-05-2013, 09:10 PM

I think Skip426 hit it on the head....rent one and see how things go.

I've seen people RVing who could just barely walk and some were using oxygen but they were out there enjoying life as much as they could. It's never too late to start.

terry735001 · 09-05-2013, 09:24 PM

my wife's medical issues is she has lupus and the SLE ver at that she is very sick every day where she cant even get out of bed some days and some days she can out run me

but when she looks out the window at some thing new every day is better then the same window at home that never moves and the RV gets her to the docs she needs to see any where even out side of FL

you are doing a good thing in adding up whats good for your too and trying to start some thing so new and free

PS as for the dark bedroom are RV dos not have alot of windows as being out in the sun can make her more sick so i know this sounds nuts but we love to walk the parks more on a rainy day when less ppl are out and more

SarahW · 09-05-2013, 09:30 PM

Howdy and welcome!

I can't comment about whether it's a good idea, but the suggestion to rent first is a good one. As far as your wife resting in bed while you drive... probably not. Some RVs are quite "bouncy", especially if the bed is in the rear beyond the axle. It could be a miserable ride with a migraine.

worleybyrd · 09-05-2013, 10:28 PM

Bruce C · 09-06-2013, 02:10 AM

Good luck with your choice. Skip offered some good advice, by renting you'll have a chance to experience the lifestyle at a minimum cost. I hope the choice you make helps your wife and you both get to enjoy a trouble free lifestyle.

Steve N Sal · 09-06-2013, 04:12 AM

Howdy and welcome aboard.

Are you crazy? My answer would be NO.

Dan, I can relate to everything you have mentioned. My wife was in a car accident back in 1987 and after 7 suugeries over a 5 year period to get back to some form of normality, well she has developed all the syptoms you've mentioned and then some. We travel exactly as you are describing including the dogs (except we have 2 little poms and a Class A). She spends most of the time when on the road resting in bed. The change of scenery seems to do her some good. Yes, she still has days when she can't get out of bed but the days she can, just being somewhere different seems to help. I wish you the best and if you'd like to PM me and have a chat, please do so. Trust me I know how difficult this is to deal with.

Steve

BCooke · 09-06-2013, 04:56 AM

Another vote to rent first.
While expensive to rent, it is not nearly as expensive are getting a RV and then not using. Also renting does not put extra pressure to use it. If it does not work for the two of you, just return it, if it does work..... you will have an idea of what you would want in one you buy. (Cuts out a second or third purchase so many of us make to get the 'right' one.)

njs42 · 09-06-2013, 06:48 AM

We rented first and have always believed it was a wise idea. Besides discovering if this was for us we also purchased what we liked and wanted first time out and enjoy what we have without the temptation to "get something better".

We also face some health issues with my wife and our dog. So we know about every emergency room for both needs in about every major location in our normal traveling area. What that says is services are available, presuming you have insurance, just as they would in your home town.

You can adjust your style of travel to meet your needs. We are seasonal travelers leaving the cold winter for the southwest and we tend to stay for long periods in one place. This style also accommodates any health needs we have because we get to establish some familiarity with local health providers and they with us.

After a weeks rental a number of your questions, perhaps most, will have answers and they will be clear to you.

MSHappyCampers · 09-06-2013, 07:39 AM

Hi Dan & PJ! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join the bunch!

The RV lifestyle is very contagious and I bet PJ will like it! She can get her rest in a nice recliner beside a beautiful lake somewhere instead of being stuck in that bedroom. Sure hope it works out for you both! You might want to rent a Class C for a week just to test the waters before investing.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Medico · 09-06-2013, 07:50 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Ted Lambert · 09-06-2013, 08:01 AM

I know your pain, my wife and I go through the same thing. Whoever coined the phrase the GOLDEN YEARS? I would call it the RUSTED AUTUMN OF LIFE.
We bought a used 34ft Class A with bedroom in the rear. Has a curved hallway which makes it private and reduces some noise.When we get a change of scenery I see a change in her.(maybe psychosomatic but that's OK)
My advice is this, rent,but rent what would be comfortable for your wife. I know from experience that if she is comfortable I am also relaxed and enjoy the day.
We have animals also. We do not take them with us. I would suggest you don't either. This should be about you and your wife,not animals.
Don't get me wrong we love our animals,but we now put ourselves first.
Good luck and best of health.